On Sunday, at Chipotle*, I was feeling really good (like usual, when I have a steak fajita burrito in my hands). For whatever reason I was reminded about when, in college, I got serious about buying some turntables and a mixer and learning how to scratch records. My friend Brody was a DJ and would let me goof around on his tables. (I still think I could be a pretty good mix-ologist and constantly think of songs to mash up. For example: Ludacris's "How Low (Can You Go)" with General Larry Platt's "Pants on the Ground." I know, right?)
Anyway, I asked C if she remembered when I wanted turntables. She mentioned I should get some and set them up in the basement. I agreed and instantly considered the fact that I could throw dance parties for Baby Girl; then I realized I could DJ all of her school dances and simultaneously keep watch over her and, while rapping about whatever, I could throw in some lines telling boys to keep their filthy little hands off of her. So, in Chipotle, I started rapping out loud in an old-school rap voice (a la Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight") about being DJ Dad.
So, that's the new persona I created and intend on using throughout Baby Girl's childhood, to her delight (not embarrassment, duh!).
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*Side note: I'm so glad that C still likes Chipotle!
March 16, 2010
Baby's Delight: "Coz I'm D - J - Dad"
March 15, 2010
Monday
Forever is composed of nows.
Emily Dickinson US poet (1830 - 1886)
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Feeling better at the start of this week. Still blowing my nose and trying to keep my throat wet, but the weekend was nice enough that I even enjoyed some coffee and a couple beers. I rode my bike this morning and plan on keeping that up every day this week, despite the fact that it was super windy and much colder than I was hoping the world would be. I can't wait to enjoy the extended daylight that Daylight Saving Time will afford us.
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Baby showers are done and we're moving full steam ahead toward labor and delivery. In the meantime, trying to get organized for Baby Girl...
March 14, 2010
Gift + End of Showers
Congratulations on your future daughter! She will be totally awesome and badass. Best of luck! Anitra
How cool is that?!
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This weekend was the second baby shower and it was great. Lots of fun to celebrate the next member to be initiated into our crazy big family, especially when you get to share that with those who will be Baby Girl's Great Grandmas and Great Great Aunts.
Today we've spent the afternoon sorting out all the stuff we received from both of our baby showers; moved the futon out of and moved a new Ikea dresser into the nursery; started a monster sized laundry load of all clothes that should fit a baby between 0 and 6 months; and packed up all the stuff that Baby Girl won't need for after then. Things around the house are starting to finally take shape and I don't feel like we're behind in any way. At the very least we can tell people that we do have space for Baby Girl.
Getting overly excited now!
March 12, 2010
36 week ultrasound + Nursery + Daycare
We went for our last ultrasound this morning and were relieved to once again hear all is well. Baby Girl is only measuring slightly ahead--an estimated 6 pounds 6 ounces--which will put her at about 8 pounds at term. The best news is that she's low and head-down, and shouldn't be able to sneak her way into a breech position between now and whenever.
We have also been setting up some of our gear. This week, in the mail, we received two gifts from our registries: a bouncer and a travel system. I figure this has two benefits: 1) our dog Alden can get used to a new family member crowding into our space and start learning what he's not allowed to chew on; and 2) that stuff will be together and usable when we have better things to worry about.
A dresser (which will double as a changing table) is on its way, and I've decided we should get a rug and some sort of book shelf too. With that, the nursery will be nearly complete. I've been getting frustrated as people have asked increasingly if we're done with the nursery. They ask it almost rhetorically, expecting my answer to be an exasperated "Yessss! Months ago!" and give me a disgusted look when I huff out a "Nope." Plus, all the pregnant women C works with are proud to announce the completion of the nurseries in month 3. Well Eff that.
Oh yeah, and I've started into searching for infant daycare, and that sucks. Lots of responses, which is encouraging. I just wish it was more straightforward. And cheaper. I wish we could figure out some sort of trade-off system with three of four other people, to rotate stay-home days. Probably not going to happen. I never thought it would be so smart to live nearby our parents for this reason.
March 8, 2010
Soak it up
The sun is out, the snow is almost gone, and neighbors have been appearing, shaking out the stiffness of hibernation. A few days of golden warmth to get us up and about before the spring rains wash the world and loosen up the ground. It's amazing: within two almost-warm days I've seen two neighbors that I didn't see all winter.
Other than preparing for the arrival of Baby Girl, my mind is focused on starting some seeds and cleaning up the yard. Maybe getting some mulch. So much to do!
I might wear shorts tomorrow just "because." The sun is lifting our moods and will hopefully help us kick the proverbial It into high gear.
March 7, 2010
March Showers Bring April Babies
Like I said in the last post, this weekend was the first of two baby showers. While I had very little to do with the happenings and can't be too sure what went down, I was able to show up before the guests had departed to thank them for the mountain of gifts that were piled in the corner. Lots of great people, smiles, food, and gifts.
One of the stand out gifts of the shower was a quilt made by C's Nanny (grandma). I've been so excited since I found out Baby Girl was going to get a Nanny quilt, since this will be the closest I'll be to getting one of my own. It's awesome. C has one too and it's just as great.
Another stand out gift was a wrap that is to be used like a sling to hold a baby in a multitude of positions. It's super hippie style. I even got to try it out with our cousin's 5 month old baby girl. Fortunately I have a few more weeks to practice with puppy Alden.
Anyway, it was a fun weekend, hanging out with family. After getting back to our town, we exploded into our house and realized we (currently) have no place to put any one thing we got. Crap!
March 4, 2010
Qualities of Happiness
Love - better than being loved is loving somebody
Optimism - "the more painful the event, the more profound the lesson"
Security
Courage
Spirituality - go beyond the boundaries of your own life
Freedom (of Choice)
Proactivity - "don’t wait for events or other people to make [you] happy"
Health
Altruism
Perspective
Humor - a "shift of perception"
Purpose
March 1, 2010
March is here! (a.k.a. 34 weeks) (a.k.a. T-minus-6 weeks!)
I can't believe we are at 34 weeks already. The uncertain amount of time left is presumed to be an even month-and-a-half and we're starting to bite our nails. The suspense is getting heavy. At my job, I've got a project looming over my head which promises to take me out of town for three three-day trips. We haven't "won" the job yet and the more I think about it, the more I get sick thinking about being so far from home and C going into labor. Anyway, I'm trying to be optimistic that luck will guide us through this month. I mean, I have two four-leaf clovers that I've been saving for some time now and figured I could cash one in for March in the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day. Sure, I can't be too certain that I have any Irish blood in me, but I suspect that in this case "it's the thought that counts."
I feel like as soon as April 1st hits, our baby will be on its way, arriving any minute thereon.
Meanwhile, I'm looking into other career options and wish that looked a little brighter. It seems like there are only a few doors available to me, and most of them lead back to school. Dammit!
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In other news, we picked up and assembled our crib this weekend! Woohoo! We also added a few more splashes of paint to the nursery.
Also, we're preparing for the first of TWO baby showers which will be this weekend and next.